Manly Pacific

The local take

Manly's flagship hotel sits right on North Steyne with the ocean filling its front windows — the only proper full-service hotel actually on the beach. Part of Accor's MGallery collection, it runs the works: rooftop pool with a view, restaurant and bar, gym, valet parking, the lot.

Rooms range from standard to ocean-view suites, and the ocean-view ones are worth the jump. It's the pick for first-timers, celebrations, and anyone who wants to roll out of bed and be on the sand in ninety seconds. The building's a touch dated in the corridors, but the location and the rooftop more than answer for it.